Ariocarpus agavoides Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli(SB 370 Tula, Tamahulipas mexico) It looks very little like a cactus and more like a Haworthia (or a small Agave, hence the name)

Origin and Habitat: Mexico, The type locality is sited around the town of Tula, Tamaulipas. Two new colonies have been found recently in San Luis Potosi, disjunct from the original site (Ariocarpus agavoides var. sanluisensis).Habitat: It grows on rocky limestone hills, and alluvial plains at about 1200 m, rainy season is summer. The wild populations have been threatened and nearly extinct by many factors including over-collecting, agriculture, building work, livestock, and erosion.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Ariocarpus agavoides group

Ariocarpus agavoides(Castañeda) E.F.Anderson: Small rosette shaped succulent with stiff, rough, dark green tubercles. It looks very little like a cactus and more like a Haworthia (or a small Agave, hence the name)

Cultivation and Propagation: Grows in alluvial plain that becomes muddy in summer, so likes quite a lot of water then. but very prone to rot other times of the year, give moderate water in spring and autumn, no water in winter. Cultivate it in a well drained, non-organic, free-draining soil compost. The use of a weak low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season can encourage growth. The main threat to its development is root rot.The Ariocarpus should be kept dry whenever there is a threat of cold. The appearance of Ariocarpus can benefit greatly by watering the plants from the bottom. This practice will help to keep the “wool” on the top of the plant from becoming matted or discoloured. Need half shadel to Full sun. Frost Tolerance: Hardy to -10°.Propagation: It is easy to raise from seed, but will generally take about 5-8 years to reach flowering size, occasionally grafted.